Wenger: Chelsea Will Escape Relegation; Arsenal Can Beat City, Barca

Arsene Wenger has ruled out Chelsea from being relegated from the Premier League.
The champions are 16th in the table and just one point off the relegation places, but the Arsenal manager has no doubts Chelsea will be in the top flight next season.

When asked on Thursday during his press conference ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City whether Chelsea will be involved in a relegation battle, Wenger replied: “No, because of the quality of their team. If you ask me objectively I say no chance. They are going through a difficult spell but they are not in a relegation battle.”

Wenger said he will add to his squad in January if he finds a good deal.
“We are open minded and not the only ones that can decide on the speed of transfers,” he said.
“We have to adapt to availabilities but we are open to do something because we are short.”

The Frenchman backs his side to give City a good game on Monday night, highlighting Mesut Ozil’s contributions.

“We have played 16 games and the top team is on 35 points. Consistency is the main priority,” Wenger said.

“We are in December. We are not fighting for the Premier League on Monday night. But we will be looking to nullify them. You cannot ignore the individual quality they have up front.
“You look to nullify their quality and attack yourself.

“It’s a massive game that you play at home and of course you want to win.
Over Christmas we play many home games and it’s important to be in a strong position after Christmas.
“It’s a tight game, we look at the numbers and we’re very close.
Man City has huge potential – We will need a top top level team performance.

“Ozil is the main provider in the team and the league, 13 assists. Players who can make you score are very difficult to find and have something special.

“But people forget that he is an exceptional fighter as he runs much more and has added runs into the box now. He has become an absolutely unbelievable player.”
Arsenal have been drawn to play Barcelona in the round of 16 of the Champions League but Wenger claims he is not worried.

“They’re the best team in Europe at he moment, but we have a chance to knock them out.

“We have to be inspired by the Bayern result at home.
“It’s difficult but very exciting as well.”